Tourism sector reports mixed growth and challenges across Europe and Latin America

The regional tourism authority in Madeira announced record levels for 2025, with 12.7 million overnight stays and 2.4 million guests, generating €887 million in revenue and marking the highest figures in the archipelago’s history.

In Spain, a report from Exceltur showed a decline in tourist‑rental housing, with an 11 % drop in Madrid and an 8.5 % drop in Barcelona, while cities such as Málaga and Sevilla saw only modest increases.

Argentina’s Plataforma10 indicated a 5.5 % rise in early‑year winter‑vacation bookings, highlighting a shift toward inter‑province travel, with Córdoba emerging as the most popular bus route origin. A parallel study by UADE warned that families now need about $2.45 million to travel domestically and up to $20 million for overseas trips, reflecting reduced purchasing power.

Elche, Spain, recorded a historic 91.2 % hotel‑occupancy rate in June, driven by vacation travelers, though hoteliers noted rising operating costs and staffing challenges.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced a visit to Tulum to address a tourism downturn linked to security concerns, illegal construction, and bureaucratic obstacles, as visitor numbers fell by 21,700 compared with the previous year.

Madrid’s luxury‑tourism study showed each high‑impact visitor spends €6,860 locally, with premium hotels accounting for 29 % of total tourism revenue while generating 15 % of sector jobs.